A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

A Way Forward podcast, presented by Beem Credit Union, examines the challenges that can wear down our individual and collective mental health. Host Jessica Samuels focusses on the stressors, the core issues and contributing factors, and the approaches and practices that can help address these issues. Listeners will leave feeling they have the information and tools to better manager their well-being and able to find...a way forward.

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is a health podcast hosted by CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels, with 30 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels hosts A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, a health show with 30 episodes published.

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  Episode #27

  Episode 27: Bridging the Gap: Bringing Foundry to the Westside

  May 27, 202613 minS0

  <p>In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to support, and the vision behind expanding Foundry services to the Westside.</p><p>As Foundry Kelowna approaches its 10-year milestone, the discussion reflects on the impact the centre has had supporting youth ages 12–24 and their caregivers through counselling, peer support, family navigation, primary care and social services.</p><p><br>The episode also explores CMHA Kelowna’s Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign, which aims to brin...

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  A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

  Episode 27: Bridging the Gap: Bringing Foundry to the Westside

  May 27, 202613 min

  In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to support, and the vision behind expanding Foundry services to the Westside. As Foundry Kelowna approaches its 10-year milestone, the discussion reflects on the impact the centre has had supporting youth ages 12–24 and their caregivers through counselling, peer support, family navigation, primary care and social services. The episode also explores CMHA Kelowna’s Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign, which aims to bring a Foundry satellite location to the Westside and improve access to mental health supports for youth and families in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Peachland. In this episode: Why accessible mental health support matters for youth The role Foundry Kelowna plays in helping young people feel heard and supported Transportation and distance barriers facing Westside youth The importance of awareness and helping youth know where to turn for support Delaney’s journey founding the Walk for Mental Health at Mount Boucherie Secondary School How community engagement will shape the future of the Westside satellite location The long-term vision for youth mental health support in the region Notable Moments “We are looking at a space where youth don’t know where to go. And we’re hoping that Foundry is that first step for them.” — Kirsten Charles “It’s such a barrier when you don’t even know what there is to support you.” — Delaney Neukomm “I want youth to know there’s support.” — Kirsten Charles For Foundry Kelowna Supports for Youth Mental Health and Wellness Services visit: https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/foundry-kelowna About the Campaign The Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign is focused on expanding youth mental health supports to the Westside through a satellite Foundry location. The initiative aims to make services more accessible for young people and caregivers by reducing transportation and access barriers while building stronger community connections. Get Involved Learn more about the campaign, become a Friend of Foundry, or support the initiative through: · https://cmhakelowna.crowdchange.ca/146672 Listen & Subscribe Listen to A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about CMHA Kelowna programs and supports, visit: cmhakelowna.com For questions about the podcast, contact: awayforward@cmhakelowna.org About the Podcast A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.

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  Episode #26

  Episode 26: Mental Health in South Asian Communities

  May 13, 202628 minS0

  <p> </p><p>In this episode of Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District’s A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by community advocate and businessman Balzor Singh and CMHA Kelowna counsellor Sureet Dosanjh for an honest conversation about mental health in South Asian communities.</p><p>Together, they explore the realities of stigma, cultural expectations, gender roles, resilience, language barriers and the importance of culturally competent mental health support. Balzor also shares his family’s deeply personal experience navigating mental health crises and how that journey inspired him to be...

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  Episode #25

  Episode 25: Rising Housing Costs & Mental Health

  Apr 29, 202625 minS0

  <p>In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Jaime Edmondson (Beem Credit Union) and Mike Gawliuk (CEO CMHA Kelowna) to unpack how rising housing costs are impacting mental health across British Columbia.</p><p>From renters feeling locked out of the market to homeowners struggling with rising interest rates, this conversation explores the emotional toll of financial stress—and what support looks like.</p><p> </p><p>Key Themes</p><p>1. The Emotional Weight of Housing Costs</p>Housing affordability is one of the top stressors affecting mental health todayFeelings of hopelessness, anxiety, shame, and guilt are increasingly com...

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  Episode #24

  Episode 24: Substance Use and Addiction: The Recovery Journey

  Apr 15, 202634 minS0

  <p> </p><p>In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: substance use and addiction.</p><p>This conversation goes beyond surface-level assumptions to explore what addiction really looks like, why recovery takes time, and what supports are needed to help people move forward.</p><p>Key Takeaways<br><br></p><p>1. Addiction is a chronic, recurring condition</p><p>Recovery is not a one-time fix. Relapse can be part of the process, not a failure. </p><p>2. Detox is...

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